Insurance hunting

For most young, or first time drivers, car insurance is probably the single most expensive element of being a driver (once lessons are out of the way and you’ve passed).

Recent figures showed that the average cost of a third party insurance policy was more expensive than a comprehensive policy, purely because so many new drivers get third party insurance.
The reason that insurance is so expensive for new drivers, and particularly young male drivers, is that the cost of car insurance is directly connected to the perceived risk of the insurance company having to pay out. There is a mass of statistics that shows that young drivers, and particularly men, are more likely to have an accident than older, more experienced drivers.
Of course, you could be the safest newly qualified driver in the country and you’re still going to have to pay a lot for insurance. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t find a good deal if you know where to look.
The first place to go is the internet. Whilst comparison websites are far from perfect when it comes to offering what is genuinely the best deal, they give you a ball park figure and will let you know the kind of money you’re expected to pay. It’ll also give you the opportunity to change some of the factors a little, if, for example, driving a couple of hundred miles less per year will save you a lot on your insurance, it might just be worth getting the train once or twice.
The next thing to do is talk to a number of insurers directly, insurance companies are quite flexible and many providers will adapt their prices for you. If you do find a really good deal, don’t be afraid to use it as leverage to get a better deal with a different provider.
The final thing to do is to look into paying for a pass plus or another form of advanced driving course. These demonstrate to insurers that not only are your more proficient, but also you’re conscientious about being as safe and skilled as a driver as possible and can save you a lot of money.
The only guaranteed way of getting a great deal is to look around, don’t just pick a company and settle for the deal that they are willing to offer. One good place to start looking for car insurance is Co-operative Insurance, who are offering an 11% discount to online customers at the moment.